Gaines Street Pies Raises Funds for At-Risk Kids

posted by Jeremy Matlow | 223sc
February 13, 2018

Linda Provitt cries when she remembers growing up as the second oldest out of 10 siblings.

"These kids, I see my brothers and my sisters, not having proper shoes or proper clothes," she said. Her family was "looked down upon because of our situation, and so I said if I ever have an opportunity that I'd make a difference in young people's lives."

And she did just that.

Since 1999, Provitt has been helping kids ages 3 to 13 who live on the south side of Tallahassee, many of who have behavioral issues, come from homes marred with conflict, or have parents who are incarcerated.

Every summer, the organization hosts a summer camp for the kids. Throughout the year, Provitt said, the organization collects shoes, school supplies, bags and clothes for kids from low-income families.

"It puts a joy in my heart and a smile on my face knowing that I was a part of that child, making a difference in their life," she said.

Jeremy Matlow, owner of Gaines Street Pies, Midtown Pies and Northside Pies, knew he wanted to help bolster Project Bridge when last year he heard Provitt make a passionate appeal to the city commissioners asking for financial help to fund the group's efforts.

He immediately offered to fund a pizza party for the kids, and that summer the pizza chain raised $4,600 via a GoFundMe page, he said.

This summer, he's looking to help pay for the summer camp's transportation services, activities like movies and arcade trips, and grant-writing services so the organization can expand and receive more funding.

This year, the goal is to raise $4,000 for the program, and the chain is matching donations made online and in the shops until Sunday. As of Friday, Gaines Street Pies has raised $900.

Matlow himself grew up on the south side of town in low-income neighborhoods.

"This struck a chord and I wanted to help her," he said.

"I remember women like Linda who took a bigger role and care for the whole neighborhood and all the children," he said, recalling women in his own childhood neighborhoods who handed out candy and opened their doors for kids who just wanted a break from home.

Donations can be made online or at Gaines Street Pies, Midtown Pies or Northside Pies.